Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has designated the week of April 27 as Air Quality Awareness Week. The week represents Michigan's partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service to promote better understanding about the air we breathe.

The week of April 27 was selected to coincide with the kick-off of forecasting for the 2009 ozone season. The goals are to educate residents about the air quality index, increase understanding about related health concerns, and make choices to reduce emissions that cause air pollution.

During Air Quality Awareness Week, each day focuses on a different outdoor air topic:

- Monday ― Air Pollution: Ozone and Particle Pollution
- Tuesday ― What Causes Poor Air Quality
- Wednesday ― Keeping Your Heart and Lungs Safe
- Thursday ― How to Get Current Air Quality Information
- Friday ― What You Can Do to Help Make the Air Cleaner

Although Michigan air quality continues to improve, areas in our state occasionally experience air pollution levels that pose a potential health risk for some people. The MIair Web page makes it easy to keep track of air quality levels across the state including air quality "Action! Days" when transportation, energy conservation, and other personal choices play a significant role in the quality of the air.

Anyone can sign up to receive free EnviroFlash air quality e-mail or text message notifications. To enroll or learn more about Michigan air programs, go to www.michigan.gov/deqair and select the MIair icon.

Several community partners sponsor local initiatives that help focus public awareness about Clean Air Choices:

- In the Detroit Metro area, the Clean Air Coalition of Southeast Michigan encourages residents to make clean air choices on Ozone Action! Days. Their Web page is www.semcog.org/OzoneAction.aspx.

- In the Lansing area, the CATA Clean Commute Options program encourages mid-Michigan residents to make clean air choices by choosing alternatives to driving alone. Look in the CATA Services tab at www.cata.org.

- The West Michigan Clean Air Coalition encourages residents to make clean air choices via the Clean Air Action Day program. Their Web page is www.wmcac.org.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised April 17, 2009 by Pat Watson